Me by Tinybop is like a digital scrapbook where kids can keep their thoughts, feelings, photos, pictures, notes, and more

Have you ever wondered what awesome things your kids are experiencing daily, yet you are unsure how to get them to tell you? If you have, don't worry: many parents also share a similar experience. It's not that we don't care, but sometimes we just can't think of what questions to ask.

Fortunately, this is the 21st century, and there's now an app to help kids tell stories about themselves: Me. From the award-winning app maker Tinybop, it aims to give kids a safe space to tell their stories, express their feelings, and document the world around them.

Welcome to My Life

In Me, kids answer hundreds of fun prompts that guide kids to create a dynamic snapshot about their lives: their family, friends, favorite places, pets, dreams, secrets, and more. The app provides easy-to-use, creative tools so kids can express themselves in many ways.

When kids begin using the app, they will be prompted to create an avatar with a diverse set of customization options, including various skin tones and hairstyles. They can also create avatars for their family, friends, or pets.

Next, they complete prompts by tapping the icons around their avatar. Each icon corresponds to how they answer the prompt: a pencil means they need to draw something, a camera shows they can add photos or animated GIFs, a mic represents voice notes. Prompts are added randomly and often, and kids can expand on certain topics to create in-depth stories.

It's only natural that kids change as they grow. Should they wish to edit a previous answer, they can do so anytime. They can also download their creations to Camera Roll.

Parents Need to Know

Me is a unique app. While many apps focus heavily on cognitive intelligence, this unique app sheds light on a subject that is just as, if not more, important: emotional literacy. It's based on a research suggesting that the more kids understand themselves, the more they can be empathetic and understanding of others.

Me is safe for kids. Kids can choose what they want to share and who they share it with, but otherwise no information is ever distributed outside of the app. The app is suitable for a wide range of ages, but note that developing readers might need someone to read the questions for them. The app has no third-party adverts and no in-app purchases.

Kids answer hundreds of fun prompts that guide them to create a dynamic self portrait

Things I Like

As ever with Tinybop apps, Me is well designed. The app not only looks lovely but is also easy to use and navigate. I love how the developers took steps to ensure that diversity is reflected within the app: the avatar maker, for example, allows kids to choose from a wide range of skin tones. They have even included the hijab, which is not something I have seen in other apps for kids.

The prompts themselves are simple but thoughtful. For example, kids may be asked to illustrate what they imagine their future home or family looks like, name a book that makes them sad, or draw something of theirs that was hurt recently. The answers to these prompts eventually paint a unique and beautiful picture of your kids' mind.

Kids can use various creative tools to spruce up their pictures

Conclusion

I highly recommend Me by Tinybop for kids of all ages. This beautiful app provides a safe haven for them to tell their stories and express what's on their mind with various creative tools. Along the way, they develop a sense of self-awareness and empathy. Parents can also take advantage of the app to know their kids better.

About Tinybop

Tinybop, Inc. is a Brooklyn-based studio of designers, engineers, and artists. They make toys for tomorrow.

Check out their other apps:

The perfect app for curious kids, Skyscrapers by Tinybop lets them explore the ins and outs of a skyscraper. The app is highly interactive, and kids will enjoy tapping and dragging to build their own skyscraper and learn about its facade, structure, water and electrical system, and other features. Older kids can turn on labels to read the names of various building parts, and parents and educators can download a detailed handbook to get the most out of the app.

Kids who love smart toys will love The Infinite Arcade. It’s an exercise in problem solving and creativity, disguised as a Minecraft-like builder game that many kids will be familiar with. There’s also an opportunity for storytelling as kids add words and thought bubbles to their game. Overall, it’s great fun for all ages.